Avian Influenza ( BIRD FLU)
Bird flu is an infection caused by avian (bird) influenza (flu) viruses. Bird flu is very contagious among birds and can make some domesticated birds, including chickens, ducks, and turkeys, very sick and kill them. Influenza A (H5N1) virus – also called “H5N1 virus” – is an influenza A virus subtype that occurs mainly in birds. Recent finding also states that similar virus has been isolated in swine.

Human symptoms
Symptoms of bird flu in humans have ranged from typical flu-like symptoms (fever, cough, sore throat and muscle aches) to eye infections, pneumonia, severe respiratory diseases (such as acute respiratory distress), and other severe and life-threatening complications.

Human Influenza risk
During an outbreak of bird flu among poultry (domesticated chicken, ducks, turkeys), there is a possible risk to people who have contact with infected birds or surfaces that have been contaminated with excretions from infected birds. The current outbreak of avian influenza A (H5N1) among poultry in Asia and Europe (see below) is an example of a bird flu outbreak that has caused human infections and deaths. In such situations, people should avoid contact with infected birds or contaminated surfaces, and should be careful when handling and cooking poultry.

Bird flu prevention
There currently is no commercially available vaccine to protect humans against the H5N1 virus that is being seen in Asia and Europe . Although vaccine development is in progress, the best method to fight the infection and its spread would be to prevent the virus from thriving in the environment, thru a solid disinfection and biosecurity measure.